Employer references for physician associates (PA) and anaesthesia associates (AA)

Published 20 October 2025

In this guide you can find information on how to complete an employer reference form and download a copy of the relevant form for completion.

This guidance outlines the process for both the applicant and the supervising clinician/line manager. There are two versions of the form available:

You work as a PA or an AA in clinical environments

An employer reference form must be completed by a supervising clinician who is a GMC-registered doctor.

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APA5 - Employer reference for clinical PA/AA roles

You work in a non-PA/AA patient-facing healthcare role or work in a PA/AA educator role

An alternative version of the form is available for those whose most recent employment has been in a non-PA/AA patient-facing healthcare role, or those that are working in PA/AA educator roles. Only the applicant’s line manager or supervisor may complete the form in place of a practising doctor.

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APA17 - Employer reference for other patient-facing healthcare roles or PA/AA educator roles

  1. Summary
  2. Information for PAs and AAs completing an employer reference form
  1. Information for supervisors completing an employer reference form
Next Information for PAs and AAs completing an employer reference form